William Collins Jr.

William Collins, Jr. departed from this life on Saturday, April 6, 2019 peacefully in his sleep at his home in Dover, DE. Known to his family members, lovingly, as “Pop,” “Skip,” “Skippy,” “Poppa Skip,” and to his professional associates and many friends, as “Bill,” he left a legacy of love, joy, and sincere happiness. William Collins, Jr., was born on Wednesday, July 27, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York, the only son of William and Helen Mae Driver Collins. William joined the United States Air Force on June 21, 1977, and shortly after that was united in holy matrimony to Phyllis Brooks, subsequently having four children. He attended Midwood High School in Brooklyn, NY. He began his college studies at Queens College and received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the State University of NY at Albany, and his Masters of Human Resources Management from Wilmington University (formerly Wilmington College). He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1977 to 1994, completing tours in London, England; Fairbanks, Alaska; Seoul, Korea, and a final duty station at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. Bill started his civilian career in Kent County, Delaware working for agencies such as Kent County Counseling, Psychotherapeutic Services (PSI), and the State of Delaware Public Defender’s Office. Bill also worked as a substitute teacher in several schools within Kent County between 1992 and 2004. He worked as a civilian for the US Air Force at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Fort Bragg Army Post in North Carolina, and again at Dover Air Force Base, serving in his last employment role as the Director of Drug Reduction/Prevention Programs until his recent passing. Bill loved to cook and travel. He enjoyed listening to music and reminiscing about the wonderful experiences he’d had with his family. His jovial personality and distinct laugh was a signature of the legacy he leaves with many others. He was a strong believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and attended services at Christ Episcopal Church in Dover. Bill will be sorely missed and mourned for many years to come by his surviving children and their mother, Dr. Phyllis Brooks Collins; sons, William Kevin Collins, Christopher Troy Collins (wife, Jacquelyn), and Keith Raymond Michael Collins; his only daughter, Camille Nicole Collins; his grandchildren whom he adored and who adored him; PFC. Isaiah Jordan Collins – U.S. Army, Rodney Cameron Collins, Andrew Christopher Collins, Caroline Helen Collins, and special grandson Tadan Daly Tomko (U.S. Army Enlisted), and a host of cousins, loved ones, and friends. Bill had a very special relationship with his grandson Isaiah, and special grandson Tadan, whom he was able to care for, guide and assist in their enlistments to the United States Army.

William Collins Jr.

July 27, 1955 - April 6, 2019